Efrain Martinez

EFRAIN MARTINEZDrummer and composer b. San Juan, Puerto Rico. His interest in music dawned on him early on and at age 13 he began formal training on the drumset. His rapid development on the instrument allowed him to begin his professional career as a session drummer for many latin gospel and sacred music albums, most notably with singer René González. He continued his musical training under former Sammy Davis Jr. band and Mongo Santamaria drummer Tony Sánchez. It was during this period that his interest and development in jazz took him to New York City for a year and half to work with artists like John Benitez group, Ron Affif Trio and percussionist Papo Pepín among many others.Upon his return to Puerto Rico he continued his studio work and live performances with many latin pop artists including a year-long international tour with latin diva Olga Tañón. His sought-after skills and musicality led him to many important collaborations with high caliber musicians such as Steve Khan, Eddie Gomez and Jerry González, placing him among the most respected drummers in Puerto Rico.Recent collaborations include work with Grammy-nominated percussionist Paoli Mejias, South Beach Records recording artist Rayito, lounge/electronica artist MIMA, recordings with new jazz artists like saxophonist Luis Rodriguez (Fresh Sound records), hologramª Quartet (M.A. Productions/Pollymood Records), Ricardo Pons’ CausaComun project and presentations in venues like the San Juan Heineken Jazz Fest, Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, Barranquilla Jazz Fest, Manhattan’s Joe’s Pub and Brooklyn Theatre et al. He lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico.Notable recordings: •René González: Nada es Imposible-1995 •Lissette (Live)-2001 •Ricardo Pons & CausaComún: Segunda Piel-2003 •hologramª Quartet-2005 •Mima-2005 •Luis Rodríguez Quartet: U-Turn-2006 •Cultura Profética: Mota-2006 •Maryane-2006Notable collaborations recording and/or performing:POP/LATIN: •Basilio •Cheo Feliciano •Lissette •Cachete Maldonado •Danny Rivera •Viento de Agua •David Bisbal •Victor Manuelle •Lucesita Benitez •Papo Pepin •Sophie •Jose Nogueras •Tommy Torres •Olga Tañon •Nydia Caro •Jerry Medina •Rene Gonzalez •Aqua Beat •Wilkins •Anthony Carrillo •RayitoJAZZ/LATIN JAZZ: •Steve Khan •Ron Affif •Hilton Ruiz •John Benitez •Giovanni Hidalgo •Barry Rogers •Jerry Gonzalez •Eddie Gomez •William Cepeda •Paoli Mejias •Miguel Zenon •Jalil Shaw •Luis Perdomo •Vinnie Valentino •Nestor Torres •Jonathan MaronINSTRUCTIONAL DVD: Bateria Conceptual/Conceptual DrummingENDORSED BY: SABIAN CYMBALS